Introduction
Lumens, a prominent Korean micro-LED manufacturer, has been at the forefront of pioneering advancements in the Monolithic Micro-LED Market. Through strategic innovations and collaborations, the company is redefining display technologies across various applications.
Development of Stacked R-G-B Micro-LEDs
In January 2023, Lumens announced a significant breakthrough with the development of vertically stacked red-green-blue (R-G-B) micro-LEDs on a single wafer. This monolithic approach streamlines the manufacturing process by reducing the transfer steps by two-thirds, leading to cost reductions and enhanced productivity. The initial applications for this technology include micro-LED displays for televisions, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) devices. Traditionally, micro-LEDs emit a single color, each grown separately on different epitaxial wafers. Lumens' innovation involves growing all three colors vertically stacked on a single wafer, utilizing indium gallium nitride (InGaN) for the red emitter instead of the conventional gallium arsenide (GaAs). This material change harmonizes the growth process for all three colors, facilitating their integration on a single substrate.
Strategic Collaborations and Market Expansion
Lumens has strategically partnered with local entities to expand its market reach. In April 2018, the company began supplying micro-LED display modules, known as "MLD," to the Indian market. Collaborating with a renowned local display manufacturer, Lumens provided micro-LED modules for assembly into a 348-inch monitor installed at a city hall control tower. This venture not only marked Lumens' entry into the Indian public sector but also underscored the versatility and scalability of their micro-LED technology.
Innovations in Micro-LED Display Technology
In November 2024, Lumens, in collaboration with X Display Company (XDC), achieved a milestone by developing a 140 pixels per inch (ppi) microIC-driven micro-LED prototype display. This display architecture combines microICs with micro-LEDs measuring just 13×20 µm², resulting in a peak brightness of 2360 cd/m². The mass transfer process employed boasts an impressive 99.9998% micro-LED sub-pixel yield and a 99.992% microIC transfer yield, indicating readiness for volume production. This innovation is poised to impact mobile consumer applications, including smartwatches, smartphones, tablets, and PCs, by offering a more flexible and power-efficient display solution.
Conclusion
Lumens' strategic focus on innovation, material science advancements, and collaborative ventures has solidified its position as a leader in the monolithic micro-LED market. By continually pushing the boundaries of display technology, Lumens is set to influence a wide array of applications, from large-scale public installations to personal consumer electronics, thereby shaping the future landscape of visual displays.
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